Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: Techland

PUBLISHER: Ubisoft

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360, PC)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Mature

REVIEW RATING: 4 stars (out of 5)

When I was a child, I loved watching spaghetti Westerns, especially those that starred Clint Eastwood. Little did I know that these "realistic" Westerns were made on the other side of the world. In a similar fashion, Polish game developers Techland have just released the Western-themed First Person Shooter, "Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood," and it's easily one of the best shooters covering that era.

In a tale that's older than the Wild West itself, the McCall brothers ignore their family heritage and start a blood feud with each other over a woman. Virtual outlaws begin their vintage voyage fighting for the Confederates during the Civil War, but soon they end up on the run from both the Confederate Army and the justice of the peace.

Through most of the adventure, players can tackle each level as either Ray or Thomas McCall. Ray can dual-wield pistols, use dynamite, and carry heavy objects, while Thomas can dual-wield knives, climb obstacles and use a lasso to reach elevated areas. I really enjoy the ability to play as both characters because their unique abilities add a welcome bit of variety. Why then, is there no online co-op mode? It would be a perfect fit for the dual nature of the single player storyline.

Thankfully, each weapon in the game is much more accurate than it's real-life counterpart. If they weren't, it would take a full six shots with a pistol just to hit something. Adding more fun to game play is the ability to perform awesome concentration maneuvers. These devastating, slow motion moves are perfect for eliminating several enemies at once, and each brother gets a different skill.

A mediocre set of online multiplayer modes round out "Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood," but the single-player adventure is more than enough to lure gamers to the dusty plains.

"Worms 2: Armageddon"

DEVELOPER: Team 17 Software

PUBLISHER: Team 17 Software

SYSTEM: Xbox Live Download

PRICE: $10.00 (800 Microsoft Points)

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 4 stars (out of 5)

For more than 10 years, gamers have been enjoying "Worms" strategy titles on computers, and now they're available on nearly every system imaginable.

With "Worms 2: Armageddon," players gain access to the most features found in any game in the series, including new weapons, play modes and high definition landscapes.

I'll admit that I didn't dabble in the series until it, umm, wormed its way onto consoles. But now I'm completely addicted. "Why would I enjoy a game that's bereft of a storyline and stars slimy invertebrates?" you ask. Well, part of the allure is the unusual assortment of lethal weaponry that can destroy every part of the environment. But what I really like is how the cute, humorous nature of the worms contradicts their incredibly destructive nature.

Earthworm Jim would cower in fear at the sight of these mangy maggots wielding devastating weapons like rocket launchers and proximity mines. Over forty weapons and tools are available, including new armaments like the Buffalo of Lies and the Bunker Buster missile. Thankfully, old weapons, such as the infamous Holy Hand Grenade, make a welcome return as well. Utilizing each weapon's unique abilities to their full potential is part of the challenge and most of the fun!

But "Worms" isn't all about destruction, as handy tools like the rope and jet pack can literally take strategy to new heights. I love swinging through levels on the rope, dropping dynamite at the enemy's feet, and then swinging away to safety before it detonates. Of course, my enemies don't like it one bit.

Speaking of which, "Worms 2: Armageddon" lets up to four players duke it out online or side-by-side in the same room. If you think the single-player adventure is fun, wait until you get to talk smack while destroying other people's custom-built teams.

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Pretty Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: Everyone

E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

To find out more about Jeb Haught and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.